The International Society of Tropical Foresters (ISTF) awards an Innovation Prize to honor outstanding initiatives and ideas related to tropical forest use and conservation. ISTF seeks innovative examples of approaches, experiences, or efforts of individuals, groups, or organizations in line with “Governing Resilient Tropical Forest Systems”. Finalists will receive a cash award contingent on the quality of submissions and ISTF fundraising efforts (usually between US$1,000 and US$3,000). The application deadline is 22 November 2024. ISTF Innovation Prize
awards/prizes
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development — Mountain Prize 2024
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) seeks nominations for the 2023 Mountain Prize. The Prize is awarded to an individual or organization that has demonstrated outstanding efforts enabling sustainable and resilient mountain development in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. The prize is currently set at US$ 2,500. Thematic areas include access to water for drinking or/and sanitation, food/nutrition security, climate change adaptation or/and disaster risk reduction, access to clean energy, ecosystems/biodiversity management, and two others. Women and youth are encouraged to apply. Nominations are accepted until 25 November 2024. Mountain Prize
U.S. African Development Foundation — Off-Grid Energy Challenge
The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) requests proposals for the USADF Off-Grid Energy Challenge. Selected African off-grid energy companies will receive funding in the form of grant capital of up to US$250 thousand. Applicants must be 100% African-owned and -managed to be considered for the Challenge. Applicants must submit the completed application before 12 December 2024. Off-Grid Energy
Cisco and Global Citizen — Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award
Cisco and Global Citizen invites applications for the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award. The Award is made to a young individual (18-30 years) who has contributed meaningfully towards the goal of ending global poverty. Global Citizen accepts applications from individuals who have, or contribute to, a registered legal entity such as a non-profit, for-profit, or social enterprise. The award includes a US$250 thousand prize paid to the organization to which the individual contributes. Submissions will close on 18 December 2024. Youth Leadership Award
Institute of Food Technologists — Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge
The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge seeks game-changing innovations that will help transform the food system to be more sustainable and empower consumers to make choices that benefit both personal and planetary health. The Challenge will award up to eight US$25 thousand grants, up to three US$100 thousand grants, and up to two US$250 thousand grand prizes. Nonprofits or academic or research institutions located in any country and early-stage U.S.-based for-profit companies are eligible to apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply. However, teams of students or researchers may participate as part of an organization’s submission. Applications are due on 06 January 2025. More information
World Press Photo — Visual Journalism and Stories Awards 2025
The World Press Photo Contest recognizes the best visual journalism and awards visual stories in eight categories, including Environment and Nature. The award winners will receive €5 thousand each. The prize-winning photographs will be assembled into a worldwide year-long exhibition. The contest is only open to professional photographers. Entries close on 10 January 2025. World Press Photo Awards
Enterprise Singapore — Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge 2024
The Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge invites industry partners and creative innovators to co-develop sustainable solutions in key areas such as sustainable materials, packaging, zero-waste, and more. Participants have the chance to collaborate with major partners and access funding to develop their solutions. Prizes include potential grant support (US$75 thousand from Hexagon Group), as well as funding and real-world testing facilitated by industry pioneers. The challenge is open to startups, small to medium enterprises, institutes of higher learning, and research institutes across the world. The application deadline is 27 January 2025. Details here
European Landowners’ Organization — Land and Soil Management Award
The Land and Soil Management Award rewards land use and soil management practices mitigating soil threats i.e. soil degradation, erosion, reduction of organic matter content, diffuse contamination, and compaction as well as the reduction of soil biodiversity, salinization, sealing, flooding, and landslides. The winning project receives €5 thousand. Eligibility extends to farmers, landowners, and groups of farmers, on their own or in collaboration with research institutes, universities, and/or private companies. The call is open to applicants from all European countries. The call for applications closes on 31 January 2025. Land and Soil Management Award
Harvard University — Award for Student Research on Asian Tropical Forest Biology
The Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University sponsors the Ashton Award for Student Research to support graduate and advanced undergraduate students working on Asian tropical forest biology. Applications are accepted from advanced undergraduates and graduate students worldwide. Awards are up to US$4 thousand to support research expenses. The application deadline is 01 February 2025. About the Ashton Award
Food and Agriculture Organization — Farmer Soil Contest
Applications are open for the Farmer Contest to celebrate and empower farmers who demonstrate effective and innovative practices for improving soil health. The contest aims to celebrate and empower farmers who demonstrate effective and innovative practices for improving soil health and promoting sustainable soil management globally. The champion farmer will be invited to participate in the 2024 World Soil Day (WSD) celebration in Thailand. Submission closes on 17 November 2024. Farmer Soil Contest